Extinct Nigerian Languages

Did you know nine Nigerian languages have gone extinct? That is to say there are no speakers of these languages again…..
Just before I mention these nine extinct Nigerian languages let’s note that there are over 525 native languages spoken in Nigeria. But the pace at which these indigenous languages are losing out to the English language is alarming.

A recent UNESCO research shows that on the average, 25 percent of children below 11 years are unable to speak their parents’ indigenous language in Nigeria, and if the trend is not checked, the research notes that Nigerian languages will be in extinction in two to three generations, that is in 50 to 75 years time.

The Linguistic Association of Nigeria also reporteddly said unless proactive steps were taken, more than 50 minority languages in the country might become extinct in a few years. #Nigeria